U.S. patent application number 10/105340 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-03 for image processing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Ishikawa, Atsushi.
Application Number | 20020140960 10/105340 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18945252 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020140960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishikawa, Atsushi |
October 3, 2002 |
Image processing apparatus
Abstract
An MFP can transmit image data read by a scanner by attaching it
to E-mail. At the time of transmission, the image data input by the
scanner and stored in a work memory is converted into mail data so
as to be transmitted by E-mail, and the mail data is stored again
into the work memory. The mail data is divided every predetermined
reference data size into divided files which are sequentially
transmitted as divided mails. When completion of transmission of
divided mails corresponding to a unit image is confirmed, the image
data and mail data of the unit image are eliminated from the work
memory. By sequentially performing such a process, the memory use
efficiency can be improved while holding image data of a unit image
which has not been transmitted yet.
Inventors: |
Ishikawa, Atsushi;
(Anjo-Shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Barry E. Bretschneider
Morrison & Foerster LLP
Suite 5500
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington
DC
20006-1888
US
|
Family ID: |
18945252 |
Appl. No.: |
10/105340 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00209 20130101;
H04N 1/00212 20130101; H04N 1/32368 20130101; H04N 2201/0094
20130101; H04N 2201/0025 20130101; H04L 51/00 20130101; H04N
2201/0068 20130101; H04N 2201/3295 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.13 |
International
Class: |
B41B 001/00; G06K
001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 27, 2001 |
JP |
2001-090476 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image input part
for inputting image data; a converter for converting plural image
data of a unit image obtained by said image input part into one
file for transmission; a memory device for storing said file for
transmission obtained by conversion of said converter; a divider
for dividing said file for transmission into a plurality of divided
files when data size of said file for transmission exceeds
predetermined data size; a transmitter for sequentially
transmitting said plurality of divided files via a network; a
transmission completion detector for detecting completion of
transmission of said file for transmission; and a memory device
controller for allowing a file for transmission corresponding to a
unit image which has not been transmitted yet to be held in said
memory device and, when completion of transmission of a file for
transmission is detected by said transmission completion detector,
deleting a file for transmission corresponding to the transmitted
unit image from said memory device.
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said file for transmission includes a sequence of said plural image
data of a unit image, and said divider divides said file for
transmission in a border of unit images in said sequence.
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said file for transmission includes a sequence of said plural image
data of a unit image, and said divider divides said file for
transmission in some midpoint of the unit image in said
sequence.
4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said transmission completion detector determines completion of
transmission of each unit image on the basis of completion of
transmission of each divided file to a relay server for receiving
and relaying each of the divided files via said network.
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said transmission completion detector determines completion of
transmission of each unit image after elapse of predetermined time
since transmission of each of said plurality of divided files to
said network.
6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said image input part includes a scanner for reading an image of an
original.
7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising a printer for printing said image data obtained by said
scanner.
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said input part includes an image receiver for receiving image data
via said network or a public telephone line.
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a printer for printing said image data obtained by said
image input part.
10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said transmitter can perform a connectionless communication with a
destination via a plurality of relay servers in said network and
transmits said divided files to said relay server.
11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said transmitter transmits said divided file by E-mail.
12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said unit image is an image of one page.
13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a table in which a correspondence relation between each
unit image and each divided file is recorded, wherein said
transmission completion detector determines whether transmission of
divided files corresponding to a unit image has been completed or
not with reference to said table.
14. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image input part
for inputting image data; a memory device for storing plural image
data of a unit image obtained by said image input part; a converter
for converting the plural image data of a unit image obtained by
said image input part into one file for transmission; a divider for
dividing said file for transmission into a plurality of divided
files when data size of said file for transmission exceeds
predetermined data size; a transmitter for sequentially
transmitting said plurality of divided files via a network; a
transmission completion detector for detecting completion of
transmission of said file for transmission; and a memory device
controller for allowing image data corresponding to a unit image
which has not been transmitted yet to be held in said memory device
and, when completion of transmission of a file for transmission is
detected by said transmission completion detector, deleting image
data corresponding to the transmitted unit image from said memory
device.
15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said file for transmission includes a sequence of said plural image
data of a unit image, and said divider divides said file for
transmission in a border of unit images in said sequence.
16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said file for transmission includes a sequence of said plural image
data of a unit image, and said divider divides said file for
transmission in some midpoint of the unit image in said
sequence.
17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said transmission completion detector determines completion of
transmission of each unit image on the basis of completion of
transmission of each divided file to a relay server for receiving
and relaying each of the divided files via said network.
18. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said transmission completion detector determines completion of
transmission of each unit image after elapse of predetermined time
since transmission of each of said plurality of divided files to
said network.
19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said transmitter can perform a connectionless communication with a
destination via a plurality of relay servers in said network and
transmits said divided files to said relay server.
20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, further
comprising a table in which a correspondence relation between each
unit image and each divided file is recorded, wherein said
transmission completion detector determines whether transmission of
divided files corresponding to a unit image has been completed or
not with reference to said table.
21. An image processing apparatus comprising: a scanner for reading
an image of an original to obtain image data; a converter for
converting plurality image data of a unit image obtained by said
scanner into one file for transmission; a memory device for storing
said file for transmission obtained by conversion of said
converter; a divider for dividing said file for transmission into a
plurality of divided files when data size of said file for
transmission exceeds predetermined data size; a transmitter for
sequentially transmitting said plurality of divided files by
E-mail; a transmission confirmation part for confirming completion
of transmission of each of said plurality of divided files; a
transmission determining part for determining whether transmission
of divided files corresponding to a unit image has been completed
or not each time said transmission confirmation part confirms
completion of transmission of a divided file; and a memory device
controller for deleting a file for transmission corresponding to a
unit image which has been transmitted from said memory device when
completion of transmission of the divided files for transmission
corresponding to the unit image is determined by said transmission
determining part.
22. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein
said file for transmission includes a sequence of said plural image
data of a unit image, and said divider divides said file for
transmission in a border of unit images in said sequence.
23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein
said file for transmission includes a sequence of said plural image
data of a unit image, and said divider divides said file for
transmission in some midpoint of the unit image in said
sequence.
24. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, further
comprising a table in which a correspondence relation between each
unit image and each divided file is recorded, wherein said
transmission determining part determines whether transmission of
divided files corresponding to a unit image has been completed or
not with reference to said table.
25. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein
said memory device can store the plural image data of a unit image
obtained by said scanner, and when completion of transmission of
divided files corresponding to a unit image is determined by said
transmission determining part, said memory device controller
deletes image data corresponding to the unit image which has
already been transmitted from said memory device.
26. A method of transmitting image data, comprising the steps of:
inputting plural image data of a unit image; converting the input
image data into a file for transmission; storing said file for
transmission; dividing said file for transmission into a plurality
of divided files when data size of said file for transmission
exceeds predetermined data size; sequentially transmitting said
plurality of divided files via a network; determining completion of
the transmission; allowing a file for transmission corresponding to
a unit image which has not been transmitted yet to be held in said
memory device; and deleting a file for transmission corresponding
to a transmitted unit image.
27. A method of transmitting image data, comprising the steps of:
reading an image of an original to obtain image data; converting
plural image data of a unit image obtained into one file for
transmission; storing said file for transmission; dividing said
file for transmission into a plurality of divided files when data
size of said file for transmission exceeds predetermined data size;
sequentially transmitting said plurality of divided files by
E-mail; confirming completion of transmission of each of said
plurality of divided files; determining whether transmission of
divided files corresponding to a unit image has been completed or
not; and deleting a file for transmission corresponding to a
transmitted unit image.
28. A computer program product comprising: a computer-readable
medium; and a computer program contained on said computer-readable
medium, for performing the steps of: inputting plural image data of
a unit image; converting the input image data into a file for
transmission; storing said file for transmission; dividing said
file for transmission into a plurality of divided files when data
size of said file for transmission exceeds predetermined data size;
sequentially transmitting said plurality of divided files via a
network; determining completion of the transmission; allowing a
file for transmission corresponding to a unit image which has not
been transmitted yet to be held in said memory device; and deleting
a file for transmission corresponding to a transmitted unit
image.
29. A computer-readable medium storing a program for controlling a
computer to perform a method of processing an image, the method
comprising the steps of: inputting plural image data of a unit
image; converting the input image data into a file for
transmission; storing said file for transmission; dividing said
file for transmission into a plurality of divided files when data
size of said file for transmission exceeds predetermined data size;
sequentially transmitting said plurality of divided files via a
network; determining completion of the transmission; allowing a
file for transmission corresponding to a unit image which has not
been transmitted yet to be held in said memory device; and deleting
a file for transmission corresponding to a transmitted unit image.
Description
[0001] This application is based on application No. 2001-090476
filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a technique of transmitting
image data.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] As one of conventional image processing apparatuses capable
of performing communication through a network, an MFP (Multi
Function Peripheral) is known. The MFP is a composite device having
the functions of scanner, copier, printer, facsimile, and the like.
Further, the MFP can attach an image read by the scanner function
or the like to electronic mail (E-mail) and directly transmit the
resultant to an MFP or the like at the destination via a network
such as the Internet or a LAN.
[0006] In the case of transmitting E-mail from a transmission
source to a destination, it is transmitted via a plurality of mail
servers. In each mail server, a system administrator sets a size
limit for E-mail. For example, when E-mail exceeding the size limit
arrives, the E-mail may be rejected. Which one of the mail servers
through which the E-mail passes rejects the E-mail is not
determined.
[0007] The size of image data is increasing and, particularly, the
size of color image data is enormous which is about 60 MB per image
and may exceeds the size limit for E-mail set by a mail server.
Consequently, an image to be transmitted is preliminarily divided
by a transmission source so that the size does not exceed the size
limit for E-mail, for example, 500K to 2 MB, each of the divided
images is attached to E-mail, and the resultant is transmitted by
divided mail to the destination.
[0008] The Internet is an infrastructure which does not guarantee
data transmission to a destination and in which transmission data
may be dropped out. There is consequently the possibility that any
of the plurality divided mails to which the divided images are
attached is not transmitted.
[0009] At the time of transmitting an image from a transmission
source to a destination, generally, for example, when the page
number of the image is associated with a management number of
divided mail and it is determined that all of the divided mails are
received by the destination, the image attached to all of the
divided mails is printed/output. On completion of the
printing/outputting, all of the divided mails are deleted. In such
a manner, an error in E-mail transmission is detected. In the case
of addressing the problem by the transmission source, all of the
divided mails transmitted may be held for predetermined time.
[0010] However, some MFPs do not have a memory capacity sufficient
to hold all of divided mails (image data) transmitted. In a general
mail server, E-mail which is received by the transmission
destination is deleted from the mail server.
[0011] Therefore, for example, when a unit image is divided into a
plurality of images, a plurality of divided mails to which divided
images are attached are transmitted, and even one of the divided
mails is not delivered, if the MFP does not hold the transmitted
image, the unit image has to be read again by the scanner
function.
[0012] Although divided mails whose non-delivery notifications are
not sent from the mail server may be sequentially deleted, if even
one of the divided mails to which the divided images of the unit
image is not delivered, the unit image has to be read by scanning.
It is troublesome for the user to re-transmit the image by
confirming a not-delivered unit image, setting the original, and
the like.
[0013] Although image data is converted into a data format which
can be attached to E-mail and the resultant data is attached to
E-mail, even if the image data is stored, an image of the format
attached to E-mail is held in a memory only at the time of
transmitting the E-mail. Consequently, when the E-mail is not
delivered, the format conversion has to be re-executed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is directed to an image processing
apparatus capable of transmitting image data.
[0015] According to the invention, an image processing apparatus
includes: an image input part for inputting image data; a converter
for converting plural image data of a unit image obtained by the
image input part into one file for transmission; a memory device
for storing the file for transmission obtained by conversion of the
converter; a divider for dividing the file for transmission into a
plurality of divided files when data size of the file for
transmission exceeds predetermined data size; a transmitter for
sequentially transmitting the plurality of divided files via a
network; a transmission completion detector for detecting
completion of transmission of the file for transmission; and a
memory device controller for allowing a file for transmission
corresponding to a unit image which has not been transmitted yet to
be held in the memory device and, when completion of transmission
of a file for transmission is detected by the transmission
completion detector, deleting a file for transmission corresponding
to the transmitted unit image from the memory device.
[0016] On completion of transmission of a unit image, a file for
transmission corresponding to the transmitted unit image is
deleted, thereby enabling the memory to be efficiently used. Since
a file for transmission corresponding to a unit image which has not
been transmitted yet is held, even when any of the divided files is
not delivered, it can be efficiently re-transmitted.
[0017] According to an aspect of the invention, the file for
transmission includes a sequence of the plural image data of a unit
image, and the divider divides the file for transmission in a
border of unit images in the sequence.
[0018] By dividing a file for transmission in the border of unit
images, the file for transmission corresponding to the unit image
can be efficiently deleted.
[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the
transmission completion detector determines completion of
transmission of each unit image after elapse of predetermined time
since transmission of each of the plurality of divided files to the
network.
[0020] Since the file for transmission is held for predetermined
time after the unit image is transmitted, even when any of the
divided files is not delivered, it can be transmitted again more
efficiently.
[0021] The invention is also directed to a method of transmitting
image data.
[0022] The invention is also directed to a computer program
product.
[0023] The invention is also directed to a computer-readable medium
storing a program for controlling a computer to perform a method of
processing image.
[0024] Therefore, an object of the invention is to improve the
efficiency of use of a memory at the time of transmitting an
image.
[0025] Another object of the invention is to improve the efficiency
of re-transmission of a divided file when the divided file is not
transmitted.
[0026] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network system
applied to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an external view of an MFP as an image processing
apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration
of a controller of the MFP.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional
configuration of the MFP.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of E-mail used to
send an image.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission
box.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of E-mail transmitting
process.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing conversion of image
data in a first preferred embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing transmission of
divided mails.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing conversion of image
data in a second preferred embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing timings of deleting image data
and mail data.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Definition of Terms
[0039] The term "unit image" in the specification denotes an image
printed as the image of an original in an apparatus having an image
printer as a transmission destination of an image, or an image
which is input as the image of an original in an apparatus having
an image input part as a transmission source of an image. In the
specification, "page" is used as the unit. The unit image may be
any of compressed image data, non-compressed image data, and image
data in a format for E-mail transmission.
[0040] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
[0041] Referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the
invention will be described hereinbelow.
[0042] First Embodiment
[0043] Network System
[0044] FIG. 1 shows an example of a network system applied to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0045] As shown in the drawing, a network system 100 has an MFP 1
as an image processing apparatus according to the preferred
embodiment of the invention, a mail server 2, and a plurality of
workstations 3 each connected to a local area network (hereinbelow,
"LAN") 4. The LAN 4 is also connected to an external network such
as the Internet via a router 5.
[0046] The mail server 2 provides known services of collection and
distribution of E-mail. The workstation 3, MFP 1, and the like
connected to the LAN 4 transmit/receive E-mail to/from an external
device connected to a network such as the LAN 4 and the Internet
via the mail server 2. For example, in the case of transmitting
E-mail from the MFP 1, first, E-mail is transmitted to the mail
server 2. Further, the E-mail transmitted to the mail server 2 is
received by an external device at a transmission destination via a
plurality of mail servers as relay servers on the Internet. That
is, the MFP 1 performs a connection-less communication which does
not involve negotiation and confirmation of delivery with the
external device at the transmission destination.
[0047] Apparatus Configuration
[0048] FIG. 2 is an external view of the MFP 1. As shown in FIG. 2,
the MFP 1 has an operation part 11 for receiving various
instructions and inputs of data such as characters and numerical
values by the operation of the user, a display 12 for displaying an
instruction menu to the user, information regarding an obtained
image, and the like, a scanner 13 for photoelectrically reading an
image to obtain image data, and a printer 14 for printing an image
onto a recording sheet on the basis of the image data.
[0049] The MFP 1 also has a feeder 17 for feeding an original to
the scanner 13 on the top face of the body of the MFP 1, a paper
feeder 18 for supplying a recording sheet to the printer 14 in the
lower part, a tray 19 to which the recording sheet on which an
image is printed by the printer 14 is ejected in the center part,
and a communication part 16 for transmitting/receiving an image or
the like to/from an external device via a network on the
inside.
[0050] The display 12 is used for displaying various information
including an instruction menu related to E-mail. The operation part
11 has a plurality of keys 11a by which various inputs including
selection of the instruction menu related to E-mail can be entered.
Those components function as main components of the user interface.
The user can enter various information by using the operation part
11 while recognizing data displayed on the display 12.
[0051] The scanner 13 photoelectrically reads image information
such as photograph, character, and picture from an original and
converts the image information into electric signals, thereby
obtaining the image information as image data in a predetermined
format (for example, a bit map format). The image data obtained by
the scanner 13 is attached to E-mail and transmitted by the
communication part 16 or printed onto a recording sheet by the
printer 14. That is, the MFP 1 also functions as a copier.
[0052] The printer 14 prints an image onto a recording sheet on the
basis of the image data obtained by the scanner 13 or image data
received from an external device by the communication part 16.
[0053] The communication part 16 transmits/receives facsimile data
via a public telephone line and transmits/receives E-mail to/from
an external device connected to a network such as a LAN or the
Internet via the network. Consequently, the MFP 1 has the function
of a facsimile for performing a normal facsimile communication and
also the function of a terminal for transmitting/receiving
E-mail.
[0054] The MFP 1 has therein a controller for controlling the whole
apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic
configuration of the controller of the MFP 1. A controller 20 of
the MFP 1 takes the form of a microcomputer, and has a CPU 21 as
the main part, a work memory 22 as a memory such as an RAM from/to
which data can be read/written as a work area, a ROM 23 in which a
control process program and the like are stored, a timer 24 having
a clock function, and a fixed disk 25 for storing various
information such as transmission log of E-mail and the like. Those
components of the controller 20 are electrically connected to each
other via a bus line 29. To the bus line 29 of the controller 20,
the operation part 11, display 12, scanner 13, printer 14,
communication part 16, and the like are also electrically
connected.
[0055] The work memory 22 serves as a work area of a computing
process of the CPU 21 and also an area in which image data read by
the scanner 13 and a file for transmission obtained by converting
the image data so as to be transmitted by E-mail.
[0056] In the controller 20, by performing a computing process by
the CPU 21 in accordance with the control process program stored in
the ROM 23, various processes according to inputs from the
operation part 11 and a control of the operation of each of the
components of the MFP such as the scanner 13 and communication part
16 are executed. The function realized by the control process
program includes the various processes related to transmission and
reception of E-mail.
[0057] The MFP 1 transmits/receives data to/from an external device
connected to a network such as a LAN or the Internet by combining a
transmission protocol used up to a transport layer called TCP/IP
and a communication protocol of a layer upper than the transport
layer. For example, at the time of transmitting E-mail, an SMTP
protocol is applied as the communication protocol of the upper
layer.
[0058] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing, as a mail transmitter,
the function related to transmission of E-mail as one of functions
realized by the control process program together with the other
configuration.
[0059] A mail transmitter 30 manages E-mail to be transmitted in a
centralized manner. The mail transmitter 30 generates a
transmission box as a table for managing various setting
information such as a destination address, image data to be
attached, and a transmitter address for each E-mail to be
transmitted, and manages E-mail to be transmitted on the basis of
the transmission box. The setting information of the transmission
box includes information entered by the user through the operation
part 11.
[0060] On the basis of the transmission box, the mail transmitter
30 controls reading of image data in the scanner 13, performs a
process which will be described hereinlater on image data stored in
the work memory 22 and, after that, transmits the resultant by
E-mail in conformity with the SMTP protocol via the communication
part 16. Further, after completion of transmission of E-mail, a
transmission log as a transmission record of E-mail is generated
and stored into the fixed disk 25.
[0061] The mail transmitter 30 has, as shown in FIG. 4, a data
converter 31, a data divider 32, and a data deleter 33 each for
performing a process on the image data stored in the work memory
22.
[0062] The data converter 31 converts image data of a unit image
stored in the work memory 22 into a file for transmission of the
unit image for the purpose of transmission in E-mail. Since E-mail
cannot directly include binary data, image data (bit map data)
obtained by the scanner 13 cannot be transmitted as it is by
E-mail. Consequently, first, the image data is converted to
compressed image data by a compressing process according to an MH
encoding method, thereby obtaining compression image data in the
TIFF format (hereinbelow, called "TIFF data") and, further, the
TIFF data is converted by an encoding method such as MIME (base64)
into MIME encoded data of an ASCII code (hereinbelow, called "ASCII
data"). The TIFF data and ASCII data obtained by the conversions
are stored into the work memory 22.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows an example of E-mail used at the time of
transmitting an image. The E-mail is E-mail of a multi-part MIME
format having a plurality of text parts which are a mail header
part including predetermined information such as transmission date
of the E-mail, destination address, and transmission source
address, a text part for carrying text information, and a binary
part for carrying image information. In the binary part, MIME
encoded data (ASCII data) obtained by converting the image data is
disposed.
[0064] In the TIFF format, a plurality of unit images can be formed
in a file, so that the ASCII data obtained by conversion can be
also formed in a file. That is, in the binary part of E-mail, a
sequence of ASCII data of a plurality of unit images can be
combined and placed as a file for transmission. To each unit image,
header information and footer information is added, and the
boundary between neighboring unit images can be recognized by the
header information and footer information. In the following, the
TIFF data and ASCII data will be generically called "mail
data".
[0065] In a mail server in the Internet, as described above, the
system administrator sets the upper limit value of about 1 Mbyte as
the size of data which can be transmitted per E-mail. In order to
avoid a rejection of E-mail in a mail server, when the size of
E-mail exceeds a predetermined reference data size (1 Mbyte in the
example), the data divider 32 divides the E-mail. More concretely,
when the size of ASCII data obtained by converting image data to be
attached to E-mail is equal to or larger than the predetermined
reference data size, the data is divided on the unit basis of the
predetermined reference data size into a plurality of divided
files. E-mail is divided into files from the head of ASCII data of
the sequence every reference data size. The divided files are
managed by ID numbers.
[0066] To each of the plurality of divided files, the mail header
is added by the mail transmitter 30 to thereby obtain a divided
mail. The divided mails are sequentially transmitted by the
communication part 16. In such a manner, the data size of E-mail
can be suppressed. Without being influenced by the limitation of
the size of data which can be transmitted per E-mail, which is used
in the mail servers positioned in the transmission path of the
E-mail, an image can be properly transmitted.
[0067] On completion of transmission of divided mails corresponding
to a unit image in the communication part 16, the data deleter 33
deletes image data and mail data corresponding to the unit image
from the work memory 22. Whether transmission of the divided mails
corresponding to the unit image has been completed or not is
determined by referring to the transmission box.
[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of the transmission box. As shown in
the diagram, a transmission box SB has a plurality of fields.
[0069] In a "No." field, a peculiar ID number for identifying
E-mail transmitted by the MFP 1 is indicated. The number is
automatically assigned in accordance with the order of registration
of E-mail.
[0070] In a "destination address" field, an address as a
destination of an E-mail is indicated, which is designated by the
operation of the operation part 11 by the user. In the diagram,
only one destination address is shown for one E-mail, but a
plurality of destination addresses can be designated.
[0071] An "image number" field shows page number of each unit image
of image data attached. The page number is automatically assigned
to each unit image when an image is captured by the scanner 13.
[0072] A "divided mail" field indicates the ID number of divided
mail and indicates the positions in which the divided mail(s) of
the unit image shown in the "image number" field is/are stored. For
example, in the drawing, data in the "divided mail" field
corresponding to "1" in the "image number" field are "1, 2". It
indicates that the unit image of the first page is divided into the
first and second divided mails which are stored. In this case, when
transmission of the first and second divided mails is completed, it
means that transmission of the unit image of the first page is
completed. By referring to the "image number" field and the
"divided mail" field, the data deleter 33 determines that the
divided mails corresponding to the unit image are transmitted. Data
in the "divided mail" field are automatically generated when E-mail
is divided by the data divider 32.
[0073] The "transmitter" field indicates an E-mail address of the
user himself/herself who transmits the E-mail. A "transmitter
indication" field indicates whether or not the address of the user
himself/herself is to be indicated in the mail header of E-mail
transmitted. In the case where the "transmitter indication" is
"ON", the address of the user himself/herself entered by the user
via the operation part 11 is indicated in the mail header. In the
case where the "transmitter indication" is "OFF", an address
preliminarily assigned to the MFP 1 is indicated in the mail
header.
[0074] Transmitting Process
[0075] A process of transmitting E-mail to which image data is
attached performed by the MFP 1 constructed as described above will
now be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the E-mail transmitting
process.
[0076] When E-mail transmission is instructed by operation of the
operation part 11 by the user, an input screen of E-mail setting
information is displayed on the display 12. The user operates the
operation part 11 by referring to the display 12 and enters the
address of the destination of E-mail, the user's address, "ON" or
"OFF in the "transmitter indication", and the like (step S1). Based
on the information entered at this time, the mail transmitter 30
generates data in the transmission box SB for the E-mail.
[0077] Subsequently, a screen for setting information such as a
mode of reading an original as image data to be attached to the
E-mail is displayed on the display 12 (step S2). In the reading
mode setting screen, information such as the size of an original to
be read, resolution, color (monochromatic/color), and the like of
image data obtained by reading the original is set via the
operation part 11.
[0078] Subsequently, N (N.gtoreq.1) originals are set in the feeder
17 by the user. On the basis of the information set in the reading
mode setting screen, the originals are read by the scanner 13 under
control of the mail transmitter 30 (step S3), and image data is
stored into the work memory 22 (step S4). In the preferred
embodiment, one original is obtained as image data of a unit image,
so that image data of N pages is stored. That is, image data of the
unit images of N pages is entered.
[0079] Subsequently, the obtained image data is converted into mail
data by the data converter 31 (step S5). The image data of N pages
is converted to one file made of TIFF data. Further, the file is
converted into one file made of ASCII data and the file is stored
into the work memory 22.
[0080] In the data divider 32, whether the mail data has a
predetermined data size or larger is determined (step S6). If
"Yes", the mail data is divided into a plurality of divided files
by the data divider 32 (step S7).
[0081] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing that the obtained
image data are converted into mail data and the mail data is
divided into divided files. FIG. 8 shows a case, as an example,
where image data of three pages are attached to E-mail. As shown in
the diagram, image data BD1 to BD3 are converted to TIFF data TD1
to TD3, respectively, and the TIFF data TD1 to TD3 are converted
into ASCII data AD1 to AD3, respectively. A file AD constructed by
the ASCII data of three pages is further divided into divided files
D1 to D4 on the unit basis of predetermined reference data
size.
[0082] Since the divided files D1 to D4 are obtained by diving data
on the unit basis of the reference data size, the file AD is not
always divided at the boundaries of unit images. In the example of
the drawing, the unit image of the first page is divided into the
first divided file D1 and the second divided file D2. The unit
image of the second page is divided into the second divided file D2
and the third divided file D3. The unit image of the third page is
divided into the third divided file D3 and the fourth divided file
D4. That is, the second divided file D2 includes a part of the unit
image of the first page and a part of the unit image of the second
page. The third divided file D3 includes a part of the unit image
of the second page and a part of the unit image of the third
page.
[0083] Referring again to FIG. 7, in step S8, a mail header is
added to each of the generated divided files by the mail
transmitter 30, thereby obtaining divided mail. The divided mails
are sequentially transmitted from the first divided mail in
conformity with the SMTP protocol by the communication part 16.
Concretely, the communication part 16 establishes connection with
the mail server 2 (refer to FIG. 1). After establishing the
connection, one divided mail is started to be transmitted to the
mail server 2. After completion of transmission of the divided
mail, the MFP 1 receives a transmission completion signal sent from
the mail server 2 and confirms that the transmission is completed
without a transmission error. When a notification of non-delivery
of the divided mail is not transmitted from the mail server 2 after
elapse of predetermined time since the transmission of the divided
mail is finished from the MFP 1, completion of the transmission may
be determined. It is also possible to receive the transmission
completion signal after the divided mail from the mail server 2 is
transmitted. Not the transmission completion signal from the mail
server 2 but a transmission completion signal from a mail server
for receiving and relaying the divided mail transmitted from the
mail server 2 may be received.
[0084] After confirming completion of transmission of one divided
mail, the communication part 16 notifies the data deleter 33 of
completion of transmission of the divided mail together with the ID
number of the divided mail. The data deleter 33 receives the
notification, refers to the transmission box SB, and determines
whether transmission of the divided mails corresponding to the unit
image have been completed or not (step S9).
[0085] If transmission of the divided mails corresponding to the
unit image have not been completed yet, the program returns to step
S8, and the next divided mail is transmitted by the communication
part 16. On the other hand, if transmission of the divided mails
corresponding to the unit image have been completed, the data
deleter 33 deletes the image data and mail data corresponding to
the unit image from the work memory 22 (step S10).
[0086] Subsequently, whether or not transmission of all of divided
mails has been completed is determined by the mail transmitter 30
(step S11). If the transmission of all of the divided mails has not
be completed yet, the process returns to step S8 and the next
divided mail is transmitted by the communication part 16.
[0087] By a similar process, the divided mails are sequentially
transmitted. If transmission of a unit image has been completed on
completion of transmission of the divided mails, the image data and
mail data corresponding to the unit image is deleted, and all of
divided mails are transmitted finally.
[0088] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing that the divided
files D1 to D4 shown in FIG. 8 are sequentially transmitted by
divided mail. Since transmission of the unit image of the first
page has not been completed on completion of transmission of the
first divided mail DM1, the image data and the like are not
deleted. Since transmission of the unit image of the first page is
completed on completion of transmission of the second divided mail
DM2, the image data BD1 of the first page and the mail data TD1 and
AD1 are deleted. Similarly, on completion of the transmission of
the third divided mail DM3, the image data BD2 of the second page
and mail data TD2 and AD2 are deleted. On completion of
transmission of the fourth divided mail DM4, the image data BD3 of
the third page and mail data TD3 and AD3 are deleted. In such a
manner, after confirming completion of transmission of a unit
image, the image data and mail data corresponding to the unit image
are deleted.
[0089] Referring again to FIG. 7, in step S12, the mail transmitter
30 associates transmission completion time obtained from the timer
24 with the data in the transmission box SB for the E-mail, stores
the resultant as a transmission log into the fixed disk 25, and
finishes the E-mail transmitting process.
[0090] In step S6, if the data size of the mail data is less than
the predetermined reference data size, it is unnecessary to divide
the mail data, so that the mail data is transmitted by E-mail by
the communication part 16, without being divided (step S13). After
completion of transmission of the E-mail, all of the image data and
mail data are deleted (step S14), a transmission log is generated
(step S12), and the E-mail transmitting process is finished.
[0091] The first preferred embodiment has been described above. In
the image processing apparatus, after confirming completion of
transmission of divided files corresponding to a unit image, the
image data and mail data corresponding to the unit image are
deleted. Thus, the improved efficiency of use of the work memory 22
can be achieved. Since the image data and mail data are held as a
unit image, even when any of divided mails is not delivered, the
divided mail can be efficiently re-transmitted.
[0092] Second Preferred Embodiment
[0093] A second preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described. Although the divided files are not always divided in the
borders of unit images in the first preferred embodiment, in the
second preferred embodiment, the divided files are positively
divided in the borders of the unit images. The configuration of the
image processing apparatus in the preferred embodiment is similar
to that in any of FIGS. 2 to 4. The flow of the E-mail transmitting
process is also similar to that shown in FIG. 7. Since only the
E-mail dividing method in the data divider 32 is different, only
this part will be described.
[0094] The data divider 32 of the second preferred embodiment does
not simply divide ASCII data of a plurality of unit images in one
file every predetermined reference data size. When a border between
unit images exists, the data is always divided in the border. The
division is made by confirming the header information and footer
information existing in borders of the unit images.
[0095] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing that the obtained
image data are converted to mail data and the mail data is divided
into divided files in the second preferred embodiment. In a manner
similar to the first preferred embodiment, FIG. 10 shows the case,
as an example, where image data of three pages are attached to
E-mail. Image data BD1 to BD3 are converted to TIFF data TD1 to
TD3, respectively, and the TIFF data TD1 to TD3 are further
converted to ASCII data AD1 to AD3, respectively.
[0096] The file AD constructed by the plural ASCII data is
sequentially divided from the head of the file every predetermined
size in a data divider 32. When a border of unit images exists, the
file is also divided in the border. In the example of the diagram,
the unit image of the first page is divided into the divided files
D1 and D2, the unit image of the second page is divided into the
divided files D3, D4, and D5, and the unit image of the third page
is divided into the divided files D6 and D7. That is, one divided
file includes information of only a specific unit image.
[0097] The divided files are sequentially transmitted by divided
mail in a manner similar to the first preferred embodiment. As
described above, by dividing the file in the borders of the unit
images, the image data and mail data of a unit image can be
promptly deleted, so that the work memory 22 can be used more
efficiently. Since the image data and the mail data are held as a
unit image, even when any of the divided mails is not delivered, it
can be efficiently re-transmitted.
[0098] Other Preferred Embodiments
[0099] In the foregoing preferred embodiments, at the time of
transmission of each of the divided mails, completion of
transmission of each unit image is determined by the transmission
completion signal sent from the mail server 2. It is also possible
to determine completion of transmission of each unit image after
elapse of predetermined time since the time when the transmission
completion signal is received.
[0100] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing timings of deleting image data
and mail data at the time of transmission of the divided mails
illustrated in the example of FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, the lateral
direction indicates elapse of time. In the foregoing preferred
embodiments, completion of transmission of the unit image of the
first page is determined at time T1 when transmission to the mail
server 2 is finished. At this time point, the image data and mail
data are deleted. In the drawing, at time T4 after elapse of
predetermined time TW from time T1, the image data and mail data of
the first page are deleted. Similarly, the second and third pages
are deleted at time T5 and T6 after elapse of the predetermined
time TW since the unit images of the second and third pages are
transmitted, respectively.
[0101] By deleting data after elapse of predetermined time, even
when any of the divided mails is not delivered in a network such as
the Internet, since image data and mail data are held as a unit
image for predetermined time, the image can be re-transmitted more
effectively.
[0102] Although both the image data and mail data are deleted on
completion of transmission of the unit image in the foregoing
preferred embodiments, only image data or mail data may be deleted.
In such a case as well, the memory can be efficiently assured.
[0103] In the foregoing preferred embodiments, image data attached
to E-mail is photoelectrically read and obtained. For example,
image data received from the outside by E-mail or the like, image
data obtained by being transferred by the facsimile function, and
the like may be used.
[0104] Although an MFP is used as an example of an image processing
apparatus which can perform a communication via a network in the
preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the MFP. The
invention can be applied to any image processing apparatus as long
as it transmits image information via a network.
[0105] While the invention has been shown and described in detail,
the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not
restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications
and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of
the invention.
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